Hockey players with the San Diego Jr. Gulls practice shooting weapons at the Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer during a Defending the Blue Line appreciation event aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Aug. 24. Defending the Blue Line is a charity designed to help keep kids active and engaged in sports when their parents are serving in the military.

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. – Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron Air Traffic Control Facility conducted a recognition event for Defending the Blue Line, the National Hockey League Players Association and the Anaheim Ducks aboard Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Calif., Aug. 24.

Defending the Blue Line’s mission is to ensure that children of service members are given the opportunity to participate in sports such as ice hockey by providing free equipment, hockey camps, NHL tickets and financial assistance for registration fees associated with hockey.

“My kids are genuinely appreciative,” said Master Sgt. Jeremy Frantz, staff non-commissioned officer in charge of air traffic control with H&HS. “They feel like it’s a true treat to be able to play, because we wouldn’t be able to afford to put all three of my kids through without their assistance.”

Brig. Gen. Steven Busby, commanding general of 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, and Sgt. Maj. Karyl Sisneros, the H&HS sergeant major, thanked players and coaches with the Anaheim Ducks and Shane Hudella, the president and founder of Defending the Blue Line, for showing their support.

Hockey players with the San Diego Jr. Gulls, the Anaheim Ducks and Shane Hudella were afforded the opportunity to tour the Air Traffic Control Tower, watch a military police dog demonstration, practice shooting weapons at the Indoor Simulated Marksmanship Trainer and adults over the age of 18 conducted a live fire shoot of the M-16 A4 service rifle at Miramar’s Hathcock Range.

“The kids are all so excited,” said Hudella. “Especially when they get to do cool stuff like this and meet pro players, or when they get new hockey equipment. It’s like Christmas.”

For further information on Defending the Blue Line visit http://www.defendingtheblueline.org/.